Archives for 2013

As popes go, Jorge Bergoglio seems to be a nice enough guy. He is from Latin America: a mark in his favor, in my book. He appears to have strong convictions on important moral, ethical, and social issues. He seems to prefer a simple lifestyle, at least in comparison to a lot of the pomp and circumstance that normally goes along with the office of priest/bishop. He even, from what I gather, appears to be on comparatively friendly terms with Evangelicals. All fine and well. Only time will tell what his legacy in the role of supreme leader of the Roman Catholic Church will be. Seemingly lost … [Read more...] about Habemus Papam?: Some Observations from Church History

This article, with minor changes, was originally posted at From Law to Grace. You can also find From Law to Grace on Twitter and Facebook. Sitting at the Baptist Convention of New Mexico's Evangelism Conference in Albuquerque last week, I was reminded yet again why I describe myself as an "Calvinist Traditionalist," someone who agrees with Reformed Theology (i.e., the Doctrines of Grace, TULIP, etc.), but who does not always strictly preach or practice in conformity with said doctrines and theology. Perhaps the clearest example of my own Calvinistic Traditionalism manifests itself when I … [Read more...] about John 3:16, Calvinistic Traditionalists & Evangelism Conferences

Due to reasons that are beyond my control, I've been unable to write or even monitor the blog the last few days. I hope to get back into the swing of things tomorrow, though the internet is out at my home (one problem among many) and I don't know how to get it fixed. … [Read more...] about Remember Me?

I recently had a dear friend ask me to give him a few resources for implementing a family ministry structure in the church that he pastors. I thought that perhaps others might benefit from the list I provided. Conceptual: “Our church wants to begin doing family ministry”. That sentence can mean any number of things. The people in your church probably have differing ideas as to what actually constitutes family ministry. That is why you need to have a season where everyone gets on the same page as to what family ministry actually consists of. The most helpful book for doing this is3 Views … [Read more...] about Suggested Resources for Family Ministry

Early on in our marriage my wife and I attended several marriage conferences. Our marriage was not on the fritz or anything like that. We loved each other deeply but we needed some assistance in how to do life together. Seldom did these marriage conferences have lasting results. They gave us a few practical tips to take home and apply but within a few weeks our marriage slipped back into our natural way of doing things. What was seldom addressed in these conferences was my heart. Oh, there was the obligatory session on making Jesus central in your marriage. But this was usually nothing more … [Read more...] about Why Our Marriage Retreat is Not “Practical”

Bill Gernenz blogs at Broken and Undone.  Principle #2:  Biblical Application Demands Thorough Exegesis Unfortunately, God-centered application does not spontaneously appear in the sermon-preparing process.  It demands thorough exegesis, exegesis that does not stop digging until sound, biblical application is unearthed.  To this end, Douglas Stuart has aptly stated that application “should be just as rigorous, just as thorough, and just as analytically sound as any other step in the exegesis process”  (How Sermons Work, 111).  Until application has been made, exegesis is not complete.  … [Read more...] about Making Biblical Application: Part 2 (by Bill Gernenz)

Andy Hynes is a PhD candidate at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. Follow him @ABHYNES on Twitter. Dear Missions Participant, If you are a pastor, leader, or a participant in missions here are some words of encouragement.  I have had to filter these through my heart as well.  This post rose out of a quick vision trip I took to Guatemala to work with a reputable organization.  1. Why are you going?  This is the first question to ask oneself.  Is the trip for my agenda and me, or for Christ?  The answer to the question may not be easy to ascertain, but true contemplation may … [Read more...] about What’s Your Agenda? (by Andy Hynes)

Alan Cross blogs at Downshore Drift! Throughout my lifetime, Democrats have ideologically defended civil liberties and have raised opposition to the power of the state interfering in the lives of Americans. Groups like the ACLU have consistently defended Constitutional rights of Americans to protest and engage in free assembly and to be free of government intrusion. Of course, their concern for religious freedom has often been muted because of their own biases, but overall, they have supported liberty. This has also applied to American military involvement and the Constitutional rights of … [Read more...] about Rand Paul Exposes The Ideological Collapse of the Democratic Party (by Alan Cross)

Some chap somewhere has said that in 5 years you’ll be the same person you are today except for the books you read and the people that you meet.  Though, I think a tad simplistic I do believe that in 5 years you will be shaped by what you have read (or did not read). Call me a nerd all you want, but I am a firm believer that it is very beneficial for a pastor to cultivate a reading culture within the community that he influences.    Consider these words from Mark Dever: Without knowing it I have actually put many of these things into practice in the church where I currently serve as … [Read more...] about 7 Ways to Create a Reading Culture in Your Church